Derrick Rose Says he’s Unaware of the Criticism he’s Been Getting

Believe it or not, but Derrick Rose says that he hasn’t heard any of the public criticism he’s been taking for his slow recovery from the major knee injury he suffered around this time last year.

Rose was cleared to return to action months ago but has admitted that overcoming the mental obstacles that accompany such an injury, has been difficult.

The Chicago Bulls point guard, has received a significant amount of criticism from fans and the media, for not returning and helping his decimated team. But according to a story via ESPN, Rose says he hasn’t heard any of it.

“That’s my first time hearing about (the criticism),” Rose said in his first public comments in nearly a month. “I barely turn on the TV. I’m with my son all day so that’s about it.”

The Bulls have seen key players like Kirk Hinrich, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng, miss games during their first round series match up against the Brooklyn Nets, due to various injuries and ailments. However, Rose says the team hasn’t put any pressure on him to return to action to help alleviate their problems.

“No one,” he said. “No one. I haven’t had any pressure anywhere.

“You hear stuff, people say stuff. I have a lot of people text me, asking if I’m alright because I guess they’re paying attention to what’s going on in the social media, but I’m far from it. I rarely watch games. If it’s not our game I rarely watch it. I know every team, I’ve been watching their teams the whole year. There’s some good teams out there. I saw enough basketball. It’s just that I just got to get on the court and play.”

Rose admits that he’s still struggling with the mental part of his recovery and that all he can do is remain patient and support his teammates.

“I’m still thinking,” he said. “I’m still trying to take my time, still the same old thing. If anything changed, trust me I’ll let you all know. It’s the same. It’s still the same. If anything changed, trust me ya’ll will know.”

“I’m feeling about the same,” he said. “Still being patient, still trying to take care of my body, and just trying to enjoy this time but cheer on my teammates.”

I guess the waiting game will continue with Derrick Rose, he really doesn’t sound any closer to returning so I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were a fan of the Bulls.

Folks can criticize Rose all they want, but at the end of the day it’s his body and his decision. I don’t see a scenario where a mentally unbalanced Rose helps the Bulls significantly anyway.